Revolved Downward-Facing Dog Pose

How to do Revolved Downward-Facing Dog, Parivrtta Adho Mukha Svanasana

Parivrtta Adho Mukha Svanasana – Revolved Downward-Facing Dog is a variation on the popular pose and adds a deeper stretch to the hamstrings while enhancing detoxification, balance, and full-body coordination. It may also relieve arthritic pain in the shoulders. Adding a twist to the posture challenges strength, whilst aiding and stimulating digestion. It is an exhilarating pose!

How to: Revolved Downward-Facing Dog Pose

2. On an inhalation, lift your left hand and reach it beneath your torso and around to your right thigh. Allow your waist and torso to twist open to the right. Work toward placing your left hand on the ground to the outside of your right foot. If that is not possible yet, rest your hand on the outside of your right leg’s shin or upper thigh.

3. Turn your head to look underneath your right arm. Keep your gaze soft. If you have no neck pain, gaze up at the ceiling.

4. Hold for 5-10 breaths. To release, inhale as you un-twist and return your left hand to the mat. Come back into Downward-Facing Dog. Repeat the pose on the other side for the same amount of time, and then return to Downward-Facing Dog again.

Benefits of Revolved Downward-Facing Dog Pose

The Revolved Downward-Facing Dog has a lot of benefits for all yoga students. Some of the major benefits are:

In yoga we use a counter pose in a sequence; For example, a twist follows a backbend to “neutralise” the spine, or a forward bend follows a backbend to help lengthen the spine and calm the nervous system.

Yoga Lily

Lili has been studying and practising yoga in China & UK for 20 years, and teaching since 2007 (7 years in the UK). She draws inspiration from her training within established, classical yoga systems that focus on alignment, hatha vinyasa in its gentler form, yin, yin/yang, and restorative yoga styles, pranayama and meditation; blending the roots of Chinese healing traditions into a more holistic practice.
For her, practice covers not just the physical aspects of yoga but also aligning and unblocking the bodies meridian energy pathways to release Qi energy (prana) which flows through the bodies energy highway, bringing the mind, body and spirit back into balance.
“I am continually humbled by my students and teachers, my aim is always to teach from the heart and from the idea that yoga is the art of living, listening and learning, to embody this deeply spiritual tradition”
– Lili Chen.